Active path menu navigation system
DC CAFCFirst Claim
1. A method for navigating within a multi-level hierarchical collapsing menu structure where each level in the menu contains plural items, each said item being at least one of a function, a pointer to a location, and a pointer to another level, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a graphical user menu system displaying the items of a given level and enabling selection thereof, wherein access of said given level requires sequential access of each of the levels preceding said given level in the hierarchy;
automatically constructing an Active Path as a sequence of hierarchical active links as items are selected using the graphical user menu system without the need for any additional interaction with the graphical user system, with one said active link corresponding to each of the items selected, each said active link being independently selectable thereby providing direct access to the hierarchical level from which the corresponding item was selected without the need to navigate using said graphical user menu system; and
displaying the Active Path as an alternative to the graphical user menu system for navigating the multi-level hierarchical collapsing menu structure after the user has finished selecting items using the graphical user system such that the Active Path is displayed after the multi-level hierarchical collapsing menu structure has collapsed;
wherein pre-selecting a given active link triggers the display of sibling menu items on the level associated with said given active link without disturbing the displayed Active Path.
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Abstract
A method for navigating within a multi-level hierarchical collapsing menu structure is disclosed. Each level in the menu structure contains plural items, each item being at least one of a function, a pointer to a location, and a pointer to another level. The method of the present invention includes a step of providing a graphical user menu system displaying the items of a given level and enabling selection thereof, wherein access of the given level requires sequential access of each of the levels preceding the given level in the hierarchy. An Active Path is dynamically constructed as a sequence of active links as items are selected using the graphical user menu system, with one active link correspond to each of the items selected. The active links provide direct access to a function corresponding level or menu item without the need to navigate using the graphical user menu system.
83 Citations
6 Claims
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1. A method for navigating within a multi-level hierarchical collapsing menu structure where each level in the menu contains plural items, each said item being at least one of a function, a pointer to a location, and a pointer to another level, said method comprising the steps of:
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providing a graphical user menu system displaying the items of a given level and enabling selection thereof, wherein access of said given level requires sequential access of each of the levels preceding said given level in the hierarchy; automatically constructing an Active Path as a sequence of hierarchical active links as items are selected using the graphical user menu system without the need for any additional interaction with the graphical user system, with one said active link corresponding to each of the items selected, each said active link being independently selectable thereby providing direct access to the hierarchical level from which the corresponding item was selected without the need to navigate using said graphical user menu system; and displaying the Active Path as an alternative to the graphical user menu system for navigating the multi-level hierarchical collapsing menu structure after the user has finished selecting items using the graphical user system such that the Active Path is displayed after the multi-level hierarchical collapsing menu structure has collapsed; wherein pre-selecting a given active link triggers the display of sibling menu items on the level associated with said given active link without disturbing the displayed Active Path. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification